A couple of Welsh castles

As usual on our annual trips over to ride the Port Talbot Wheelers two-up '25', we take the opportunity to visit antiquities.  This time we visited two castles in the Towy valley near Carmarthen.

Dinefwr Castle is located in the grounds of a National Trust property (so car parking is £2 - admission to the house is more still, though it wasn't open when we visited).  There's a nice tearoom in the House.  The castle itself is perched on a  craggy rock overlooking the valley, and is in quite good shape considering what it's been through, including being remodelled into a "romantic ruin" in the 17th century and having (bizarrely) a summerhouse added to the top of the round tower.  The picture below shows the view up to the castle, plus a couple of tetchy sheep.

Dinefwr Castle is here (Google Maps), and more information ias available at the castlewales website.

In contrast to Dinefwr Castle, Dryslwyn Castle is in a much more ruined state.  This is a consequence of its destruction during and following a seige.  There's a car park across the road, with no parking or entrance fee.  The castle lies on another rocky outcrop a few miles from Dinefwr Castle, and is surrounded by remains of the houses that surrounded it.  In fact its ruined state adds a certain romantic air to the site, and its location is certainly attractive.

Dryslwyn castle is here (Google maps).  More information about Dryslwyn Castle.